Obit -- Arthur A. Elia

by jmaloni

Wed, Dec 28th 2011 05:40 pm

Arthur Elia, 83, of Wilson, passed away peacefully on
Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011, at the Niagara Hospice House in Lockport.

He was born
on July 3, 1928, in Niagara Falls, New York, the son of Albert Sr. and
Josephine (Eugeni) Elia, both Italian immigrants. Arthur grew up in the Falls
where he attended Niagara Falls Senior High, and graduated in 1946. It was
there he met his childhood sweetheart, and eventual wife, Shirley Knize. The
two would marry on June 19, 1948, and they had four children: sons Laurence,
Michael, and Richard; and daughter Christine.

At the age of 16, Arthur started working for his father's
business, the Albert Elia Building Company. As would become tradition for all
Elia descendants, Arthur and his brothers began as laborers working to earn
their respective positions. In 1947, Arthur, along with his brothers Albert,
Alfred, and Alan, formally incorporated the Albert Elia Building Company Inc.,
which specialized in residential building construction, as well as industrial,
institutional, and civil construction work. This would lay the early framework
for what would eventually become Sevenson Environmental Services Inc.

Arthur's expertise was managing the work program of the
Highway and Heavy Division of the company. One of the most noteworthy contracts
awarded to the Albert Elia Building Company came in the summer of 1969 with the
dewatering of the American Falls. This project made national headline news, and
the Elia's became famous as the "contractors who turned off the falls." The
Albert Elia Building Company slowly grew into one of New York state's largest
general contractors. Over time, the third generation of the Elia family joined
the company's workforce as it began evolving into Sevenson in its present form.

In 1977, nationwide attention was drawn to the toxic waste
concerns at Niagara Falls' Love Canal. The proximity of Love Canal to his home,
and the overall threat of toxic waste to the community, fueled the desire and
determination in Arthur to pursue work in this field. His efforts gave birth to
the future success in the hazardous waste remediation industry. In the late
1970s, the "seven sons" (Arthur's three sons and his nephews) collaborated, and
the Sevenson Corporations began to take root. With Arthur at the helm, Sevenson
Containment Corporation was selected as the principal contractor for cleanup
work at the Love Canal in 1979. The work at Love Canal would prove to be just
the beginning, as over a period of time, it became apparent that hazardous
waste cleanup needs were not limited to Western New York. This allowed for the
Sevenson Corporations to continue to grow and prosper into the company it has
become today.

Arthur Elia is survived, foremost, by Shirley, his wife of
63 years; by their children: Laurence A. Elia, Michael A. (Karin) Elia, Richard
A. (Christina) Elia, and Christine E. (Philip) DeLuca, all of Wilson; as well
as 14 grandchildren: Samia, Arthur, Anthony, Jennifer, Michael, Jessica,
Michelle, Richard II, Rachel, Joseph, Lauren, Adrien, Alexa, and Justin; and
finally by eight great-grandchildren. Moreover, he is survived by two sisters,
Irene and Ida; and is predeceased by brothers Albert, Alfred, and Alan, and
sisters Elena and Yolanda. He is also survived by countless nieces, nephews,
and cousins.

With its home base and heart still in Niagara Falls, the
Elia family continues to be involved in the community and continues to be
recognized for their gracious contributions to the greater good. Arthur will
always be remembered for these accomplishments, as well as for his many
stories, his wisdom, and his devotion to his family. He has countless loved
ones intent on continuing his legacy, and who are committed to honoring the
great times and memories shared by all those who met him. Arthur will always be
there to keep a watchful eye over the business and the family he worked his
entire life to create.

A memorial service was held Tuesday, Dec. 27, at St.
Brendan on the Lake in Newfane. In lieu of gifts, the family asks that
donations be made in his honor to Niagara Hospice House, 4675 Sunset Drive,
Lockport, NY 14094.